A structure for displaying stemware

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a structure for displaying a plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects comprising at least one platform; at least one peripheral rail connected to the platform; means for connecting the peripheral rail to the platform; and means for supporting the platform, wherein the objects may be suspended by their base on at least the peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform, and whereby each suspended one of the plurality is visible.

DESCRIPTION

The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional application 60/594,076 filed Mar. 9, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the display of objects, and more particularly, to a structure for displaying a plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects.

(b) Description of Prior Art

Structures for storing stemware are well known and have practical uses in a wide variety of fields. They are frequently encountered in beverage serving establishments as overhead racks supporting stemmed glasses in an inverted position for accelerating the drying process and preventing the formation of dust deposits within receptacles.

Although several types of overhead racks have been developed to accommodate particular needs, all share a common configuration, which consists in a series of straight, adjacent rails, forming straight, horizontally adjacent channels, and wherein a stemmed glass may be inserted within a channel by its stem, and suspended on adjacent rails by its base.

While such a configuration is practical for the storage of stemmed glasses, it does not offer an appropriate platform for their display. Indeed, from a plurality of glasses suspended within at least three adjacent channels, only those suspended in the very first and last channels as well as those suspended in the extremities of the remaining channels are exposed. The only variants of such a configuration that would expose all suspended glasses would either be limited to two channels, or require a substantial spacing of the channels, and would therefore offer a limited storage capacity.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 262,334, titled “Wine glass display rack”, discloses a rack comprising a series of horizontally adjacent rails extending through a platform to form an equal number of horizontally adjacent channels having an equal storage capacity on each side of the platform. Such a rack offers twice as many channels and the same storage capacity as a standard rack while occupying a similar amount of space. Although the additional channels are practical for assorting a variety of glasses, they do not improve their display.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,592, titled “Drinking glass display and storage cabinet” discloses a cabinet comprising five walls, a hinged, sealed, see-through door, internal illumination, as well as a plurality of channels for receiving stemmed glasses, wherein channels are disposed as shelves. Such cabinets are designed to protect rather than display valuable glasses. As a matter of fact, glasses suspended within such cabinets have lesser exposure than those suspended on standard racks.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,592, titled “Drinking glass display and storage cabinet” discloses a cabinet comprising five walls, a hinged, sealed, see-through door, internal illumination, as well as a plurality of channels for receiving stemmed glasses, wherein channels are disposed as shelves. Such cabinets are designed to protect rather than display valuable glasses. As a matter of fact, glasses suspended within such cabinets have lesser exposure than those suspended on standard racks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to be provided with a structure for efficiently displaying each of a plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects.

It would also be desirable to be provided with an adjustable structure for displaying wide-based, stemmed objects, wherein a capacity of the structure would be readily adjustable.

It would also be desirable to be provided with an adjustable structure for displaying wide-based, stemmed objects, wherein a spatial configuration of the structure would be readily adjustable.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a structure for displaying a plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects comprising at least one platform; at least one peripheral rail connected to the platform; means for connecting the peripheral rail to the platform; and means for supporting the platform, wherein the objects may be suspended by their base on at least the peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform, and whereby each suspended one of the plurality is visible.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral rail complements the platform to delimit a channel, and the objects may be inserted through the channel by their stem and suspended on the peripheral rail and the platform by their base.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral rail delimits at least three channels extending radially and outwardly from the platform, the objects may be inserted through the channels by their stem and suspended on the peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform, additional, wide-based, stemmed objects may be inserted through the channels by their stem and suspended on the peripheral rail, and the channels are angled such that each suspended one of the plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects and the additional, wide-based, stemmed objects is visible.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the means for connecting the peripheral rail to the platform comprises a flange rail disposed on a circumference of the platform; a port slidably mounted on the platform within the connection rail; and a clamp fastening the port within the connection rail, wherein the peripheral rail is engaged in the port, and whereby a configuration of the peripheral rail with respect to the platform is customized.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the means for supporting the platform comprises at least one shaft; at least one support arm extending inwardly and radially from the platform; and a collet disposed at an inward extremity of the arm, wherein one of the at least one shaft extends through and is fastened within the collet, and whereby the structure is be suspended from a ceiling.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the structure further comprises a light fixture; and means for connecting the light fixture to at least one of the peripheral rail, the platform, the means for connecting the peripheral rail to the platform, and the means for supporting the platform, whereby light emanating radially from the light fixture distinguishes features of the objects.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the means for supporting the platform comprises a threaded bore extending through the platform; a threaded trunk; and a pedestal connected to an extremity of the trunk, wherein the bore is rotationally engaged on the trunk, and the structure stands on the pedestal.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the structure further comprises means for connecting at least two of the at least one peripheral rail together, whereby a capacity of the structure is increased.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the means for connecting at least two of the at least one peripheral rail together comprises an externally threaded extremity of the peripheral rail; and a joint having at least two threaded bores, wherein the threaded extremity of the two rails are rotationally engaged in two of the bores.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the structure further comprises an externally threaded extremity of the peripheral rail; and a cap having a threaded bore, wherein the externally threaded extremity is rotationally engaged in the bore, and whereby the objects are prevented from sliding off the peripheral rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art rack for wine glasses;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the prior art rack;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a variety of peripheral rails connected to a variety of platforms;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of peripheral rails connected to platforms;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a platform bearing support arms;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of two platforms suspended from a ceiling;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a threaded bore extending through a platform;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of two platforms standing on a pedestal;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of two threaded peripheral rails, a joint having two threaded bores, and a cap having a threaded bore; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a structure for displaying stemware conceived according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art rack for wine glasses.

It consists in a series of parallel rails 101 connected to a platform 103, and delimiting channels 105 having an aperture 107. Wine glasses are inserted from the apertures 107 in the channels 105 by their stem and suspended by their base 109 on two corresponding rails 101. Such a structure stores wine glasses in an efficient manner, but fails to display a majority of stored glasses. As a matter of fact, all wine glasses stored within a region 111 of such a structure are not visible as the region 111 is surrounded by glasses.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the prior art rack.

Wine glasses are inserted in the channels 105 by their stem 213, and suspended by their base 109 on the two corresponding rails 101. From this particular angle, the only visible glasses are those stored last in their respective channels 105.

The prior art rack is ideal for storing a plurality of wine glasses of a restricted variety, wherein those stored within the region 111 would be adequately represented by their visible peers. However, its configuration does not lend itself to an efficient display of stored glasses. The present invention provides a structure for efficiently displaying each of a plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects such as wine glasses within a reasonable amount of space.

In the following description, a plurality of objects are said to be disposed according to a circumferential configuration with respect to a platform if the plurality of objects surrounds the platform, and each of the plurality of objects is disposed on the immediate periphery of the platform. Furthermore, a wide-based, stemmed object is said to be visible if substantial sections of its base, stem, and core are readily visible at once.

The structure includes at least one platform as well as at least one peripheral rail connected to the platform wherein wide-based, stemmed objects may be suspended by their base on the peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform, and whereby each suspended object would be visible.

The structure may include any number of platforms of any shape, although in the preferred embodiment, it includes a plurality of circular platforms.

In one embodiment, the peripheral rail complements the platform to delimit a channel, and the wide-based, stemmed objects may be inserted in the channel by their stem and suspended on the peripheral rail and platform by their base according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform.

In another embodiment, the peripheral rail delimits at least three channels extending radially and outwardly from the platform, and the objects may be inserted through the channels by their stem and suspended on the peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform. Additional, wide-based, stemmed objects may be inserted in the channels by their stem, and suspended on the peripheral rail by their base. The channels are spaces and angled such that each object suspended on the structure is visible.

Certain configurations of channels may compromise the visibility of at least one suspended object. However, according to the present invention, the configurations of the channels preserve the visibility of each suspended object.

Channels connected to a same platform may be of different lengths. However, in the preferred embodiment, all channels connected to a same platform share a common length.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a variety of peripheral rails connected to a variety of platforms.

The first platform 301, which consists in a rail defining the perimeter of a square, is connected to four peripheral rails 303, each of which complements the platform 301 to delimit a channel 307 having apertures 309. Wine glasses are inserted from the apertures 309 in the channels 307 by their stem, and suspended on the rails 303 and the platform 301 by their base 305.

The second platform 311, which consists in a disk, is connected to two peripheral rails 313, and two peripheral rails 315. Each of the rails 313 complements the platform 311 to delimit a channel 317 having two apertures 319. Each of the rails 315 complements two of the rails 313 to delimit a channel 321 having two apertures 323 and sharing two of the apertures 319 with two of the channels 317. Some wine glasses are inserted from the apertures 323 and 319 in the channels 321 and 317 by their stem, and suspended on the platform 311 and rails 313 by their base 325. Others are inserted from the apertures 323 in the channels 321 by their stem, and suspended on the rails 313 and 321 by their base 327.

The third platform 329, which consists in a rail defining the perimeter of a pentagon, is connected to five pairs of peripheral rails 331, 333, 335, 337, and 339, each of which extends radially and outwardly from the platform 329 to delimit a channel 341 having an aperture 343. The pairs 331 and 333 are lengthier than their peers, as they have the capacity to hold an additional glass. Wine glasses are inserted from the apertures 343 through the channels 341 by their stem, and suspended on the pairs 327, 329, 331, 333, and 335 by their base 345.

All glasses suspended on the pairs 331, 333, 335, 337, and 339 are disposed according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform 329. However, only those inserted first within their respective channels 341 are disposed according to a circumferential configuration with respect to the platform 329.

The pairs 331, 333, 335, 337, and 339 are angled such that each suspended glass is visible. However, if the pairs 331 and 335 had been substantially inclined towards the pair 333, the first glass suspended on the pair 333 would not have been visible.

The fourth platform 347, which bears the shape of a cross, is connected to four peripheral rails 349, each of which complements the platform 347 to delimit a channel 351 having two apertures 353. The platform 347 is also connected to four pairs of peripheral rails 355 of equal lengths, each of which extends radially and outwardly from the platform 347 to delimit a channel 357 having an aperture 359. Some wine glasses are inserted from the apertures 353 in the channels 351 by their stem, and suspended on the platform 347 and the rails 349 by their base 361. Others are inserted from the apertures 359 in the channels 357 by their stem, and suspended on the pairs 355 by their base 363.

Although the aforementioned embodiments have distinctive configurations, all provide for an efficient display of wide-based stemmed objects. Indeed, each object suspended on such structures is visible.

The structure also comprises means to connect the peripheral rail to the platform. In the preferred embodiment, a connection rail is welded by at least one of its extremities to the platform, and at least another of its extremities to the peripheral rail.

In another embodiment, the platform comprises a flange rail disposed on its circumference, a port slidably mounted on the platform within the flange rail, as well as a clamp for fastening the port within the flange rail, wherein the peripheral rail is engaged in the port.

Any number of ports may be slidably mounted on and dismounted from the flange rail according to a number of peripheral rails to be connected on the platform. Furthermore, mounted ports may be slidably positioned on the flange rail according to a required configuration of the peripheral rails with respect to the platform.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of peripheral rails connected to platforms.

A platform 401 is connected to peripheral rails 403 through connection rails 405. A first extremity of each of the connection rails 405 is welded to the platform 401 while the second is welded to the center of one of the peripheral rails 403.

A port 411 comprising three threaded bores is mounted on a flange rail 409 disposed on a circumference of a platform 407. Each of peripheral rails 413 has a threaded extremity rotationally engaged in one of the three bores. A bolt 415 is rotationally engaged in the third bore such that its conical ending extends through the port and against the flange rail 409, and whereby the port 411 is fastened within the flange rail 409.

The structure also comprises means for supporting the platform. In one embodiment, at least one support arm extending radially and inwardly from the platform bears a collet on its inward extremity, wherein a shaft suspended from a ceiling may be extended through and fastened within the collet. In the preferred embodiment, the platform comprises at least three support arms. Any number of platforms may be mounted the shaft according to a required configuration and capacity of the structure.

In another embodiment, a threaded bore extending through the platform is rotationally engaged on a threaded trunk standing on a pedestal.

Any number of platforms may be mounted on the trunk according to a required configuration and capacity of the structure. Furthermore, each mounted platform may be rotated around the trunk to display a different angle.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a platform bearing support arms.

Four support arms 503 extend radially and inwardly from the platform 501, each of which bears a collet 505 at its inward extremity. The platform 501 may be mounted on four shafts, each of which would be extended through and fastened within the collets 505.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of two platforms suspended from a ceiling.

Three support arms extend radially and inwardly from each of platforms 601 and 603. Each of the support arms bears at its inward extremity a collet fastened on one of three shafts 605, 607, and 609 suspended from a ceiling 611, whereby the platforms 601 and 603 are mounted on the shafts 605, 607, and 609. Each of six light fixtures 613 is fastened on one of the shafts 605, 607, and 609, whereby light emanating from the light fixtures 613 distinguishes features of the wine glasses suspended on peripheral rails connected to the platforms 601 and 603.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a threaded bore extending through a platform.

A threaded bore 703 extending through a platform 701 may be rotationally engaged on a threaded trunk standing on a pedestal.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of two platforms standing on a pedestal.

A threaded trunk 803 is rotationally engaged in a threaded bore extending through a pedestal 801. Threaded bores extending through platforms 805 and 807 are rotationally engaged on the trunk 803. The trunk 803 may be rotated within the pedestal 801 to either increase or decrease a section of the trunk 803 upon which platforms may be mounted.

The structure also comprises means for connecting at least two peripheral rails together, whereby a capacity of the structure is increased. In the preferred embodiment, if a first peripheral rail is to be extended, a threaded, available one of its two extremities is rotationally engaged in a first of two threaded bores of a joint, and a threaded extremity of a second peripheral rail is rotationally engaged in a second of the two bores, whereby the second peripheral rail serves as an extension of the first.

In another embodiment, a first peripheral rail connected by a first of its two extremities to another member of the structure encloses a second peripheral rail within its core, wherein the second peripheral rail may be telescopically removed from a second of the two extremities to serve as an extension of the first peripheral rail.

In the preferred embodiment, if a peripheral rail is not to be extended, a threaded, available one of its two extremities is rotationally engaged in a threaded bore of a cap, whereby suspended wine glasses are prevented from sliding off the rail.

In another embodiment, a peripheral rail comprises two extremities, a first of which is connected to another member of the structure, and a second, curved upwardly in order to prevent suspended wine glasses from sliding off the rail. FIG. 9 is a top plan view of two threaded peripheral rails, a joint having two threaded bores, and a cap having one threaded bore. A peripheral rail 901 has two threaded extremities, a first of which is rotationally engaged in a threaded bore extending inwardly from a periphery of a platform 903. If the rail 901 is to be extended, its second threaded extremity 905 is rotationally engaged in a first of two threaded bores of a joint 907, and a threaded extremity 909 of another peripheral rail 911 is engaged in a second of the two threaded bores of the joint 907. Otherwise, the threaded extremity 905 is rotationally engaged in a threaded bore of a cap 913, whereby suspended wine glasses are prevented from falling off the rail 901. Although the structure of the present invention has been described as storing and displaying wine glasses in an inverted position, it should be obvious for a person skilled in the art that any stemmed object may be stored and displayed within the structure as suspended by a flange of its core, and any wide-based, stemmed object may be stored and displayed within the structure as suspended by its base. While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and as follows in the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A structure for displaying a plurality of wide-based, stemmed objects comprising: at least one platform; at least one peripheral rail connected to said platform; means for connecting said peripheral rail to said platform; and means for supporting said platform, wherein said objects may be suspended by their base on at least said peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to said platform, and whereby each suspended one of said plurality is visible.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein said peripheral rail complements said platform to delimit a channel, and said objects may be inserted through said channel by their stem and suspended on said peripheral rail and said platform by their base.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein said peripheral rail delimits at least three angled channels extending radially and outwardly from said platform, said objects may be inserted through said channels by their stem and suspended on said peripheral rail according to a circumferential configuration with respect to said platform, additional, wide-based, stemmed objects may be inserted through said channels by their stem and suspended on said peripheral rail, and said channels are angled such that each suspended one of said plurality of wide-based, stemmed, objects and said additional, wide-based, stemmed, objects is visible.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein said means for connecting said peripheral rail to said platform comprises: a flange rail disposed on a circumference of said platform; a port slidably mounted on said platform within said flange rail; and a clamp fastening said port within said flange rail, wherein said peripheral rail is engaged in said port, and whereby a configuration of said peripheral rail with respect to said platform is customized.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein said means for supporting said platform comprises: at least one shaft; at least one support arm extending inwardly and radially from said platform; and a collet disposed at an inward extremity of said arm, wherein one of said at least one shaft extends through and is fastened within said collet, and whereby said structure may be suspended from a ceiling.
 6. The structure of claim 1, further comprising: a light fixture; and means for connecting said light fixture to at least one of said platform, said peripheral rail, said means for connecting said peripheral rail to said platform, and said means for supporting said platform, whereby light emanating radially from said light fixture distinguishes features of said objects.
 7. The structure of claim 1, wherein said means for supporting said platform comprises: a threaded bore extending through said platform; a threaded trunk; and a pedestal connected to an extremity of said trunk, wherein said bore is rotationally engaged on said trunk, and said structure stands on said pedestal.
 8. The structure of claim 1, further comprising means for connecting at least two of said at least one peripheral rail together, whereby a capacity of said structure is increased.
 9. The structure of claim 8, wherein said means for connecting at least two rails of said at least one peripheral rail together comprises: an externally threaded extremity of said peripheral rail; and a joint having at least two threaded bores, wherein said threaded extremity of said two rails are rotationally engaged in two of said bores.
 10. The structure of claim 1, further comprising: an externally threaded extremity of said peripheral rail; and a cap having a threaded bore, wherein said externally threaded extremity is rotationally engaged in said bore, and whereby said objects are prevented from sliding off said peripheral rail. 